Junior Bridgeman, a Louisville basketball legend who played 12 seasons in the NBA before building an even bigger legacy as a businessman, passed away on March 11 at the age of 71.
Bridgeman wasn’t just a star on the court—he was a fixture in Louisville long after his playing days ended. Mayor Craig Greenberg announced his passing, calling him a “kind, generous, and groundbreaking legend.”
“He was an All-American at U of L, an NBA All-Star, and a self-made billionaire,” Greenberg said. “But what I’ll remember most is his quiet, impactful assistance to those in need, his love for his family, and his unwavering support for our community.”
According to reports, Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at a Louisville hotel during a fundraising event.
On the court, he left his mark, especially with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he played 711 games—third-most in franchise history behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The team retired his No. 2 jersey in 1988.
“His hard work and perseverance made him one of the nation’s top business leaders,” the Bucks said in a statement. “Last year, his professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to us.”
Bridgeman officially bought a stake in the team last year, announcing his 10% ownership at a news conference alongside co-owner Jimmy Haslam, coach Doc Rivers, and other Bucks leaders. “The opportunity to get back involved with the team in a different way was something of a dream,” he said at the time.
His NBA career was also tied to one of the biggest trades in league history. Drafted eighth overall by the Lakers in 1975, he was sent to Milwaukee as part of the blockbuster deal that brought Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Los Angeles. Bridgeman played for the Bucks from 1975 to 1984, spent two seasons with the Clippers, then returned to Milwaukee for his final season in 1986-87. He still ranks in the top 10 in multiple Bucks statistical categories, including ninth in all-time points.
After basketball, Bridgeman made a name for himself in business, building an empire in publishing, restaurants, and investments.
He is survived by his wife, Doris, and their children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan.
